Hot Dog
A juicy sausage nestled in a soft, steamed bun, loaded with your favorite toppings. This classic American street food comes together in under 10 minutes, making it perfect for backyard barbecues, game day, or a quick weeknight dinner that brings a smile every time.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~2 min
Preheat the grill and prep the toppings.
1.Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.2.Finely dice the onion and set aside in a small bowl.3.Have mustard, ketchup, and relish ready for assembly. - grill · ~6 min
Grill the frankfurters.
Place the beef frankfurters on the hot grill. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally with tongs, until heated through and lightly charred with visible grill marks.
TIPDon't split or pierce the franks — the juices stay inside and keep them plump. - steam · ~2 min
Steam the buns until warm and soft.
1.Bring water to a boil in a pot fitted with a steamer basket.2.Place the hot dog buns in the steamer basket.3.Cover and steam for about 1 minute, just until warm and pillowy.TIPWarm buns make the difference between a good hot dog and a great one — don't skip this step. - assemble · ~1 min
Assemble the hot dogs.
1.Place one grilled frankfurter into each steamed bun.2.Squeeze a line of yellow mustard along one side of the frankfurter.3.Squeeze a line of ketchup along the other side.4.Spoon a teaspoon of onion over the top.5.Finish with a teaspoon of dill pickle relish. - serve
Serve immediately while hot.
Place the assembled hot dogs on a platter or individual paper trays. Best enjoyed right away while the franks are hot and the buns are steamy.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use a grill or cast iron skillet for the best char marks on the frank.
- 2Steam the buns just until warm; over-steaming makes them soggy.
- 3Toast the inside of the bun on the grill for extra crunch if you prefer.
- 4Let the grilled franks rest for 30 seconds before assembling to avoid soggy buns.
- 5For a classic Chicago-style dog, add sport peppers and a dill pickle spear.
Adapt it for your goals.
Chicago-Style Dog
Replace ketchup with a dill pickle spear, tomato slices, sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt. This is the classic Windy City version that emphasizes tangy, crunchy textures.
Low OilLow-Oil
Skip grilling in oil; cook the franks in a dry non-stick pan or air-fry at 375°F for 4-5 minutes. This reduces added fat while still getting a nice browning.
Spicy Chorizo DogSpicy Chorizo Dog
Swap the beef frank for a spicy chicken or pork chorizo link. Use a cilantro-lime crema and pickled jalapeños for a Mexican-inspired twist.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Good Source of Protein
Beef frankfurters provide a quick protein boost, supporting muscle repair and satiety.
Low in Carbohydrates
When served without the bun, this hot dog is low in carbs, making it suitable for low-carb or keto diets.
Contains Antioxidants
Onions and pickle relish offer small amounts of quercetin and vitamin C, which are antioxidants that support immune health.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, poultry franks work well. They cook faster, so reduce grill time to 3-4 minutes and watch for doneness.
